''True & Livin'' is a studio album by

Zion I Zion I was an American hip hop project founded by MC and producer Baba Zumbi (real name Stephen Gaines) in Oakland, California. K-Genius and Amp Live were also project members. Career Originally formed as a group, Zion I released the debut ...

. It was released by Live Up Records in 2005.

Critical reception

Kabir Hamid of '' Chicago Reader'' described the album as "soulful hip-hop that favors acoustic sounds over electronics, thoughtfulness over braggadocio, and spirit-enhancing grooves over testosterone-fueled beats." Rachel Swan of ''

East Bay Express The ''East Bay Express'' is an Oakland-based weekly newspaper serving the Berkeley, Oakland and East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is distributed throughout Alameda County and parts of Contra Costa County every Wednesday. The ' ...

'' wrote, "This is hip-hop without irony, geared for people who prefer feel-good vibes and songs with happy endings." A.J. Wolosenko of ''

Vibe ''Vibe'' is an American music and entertainment magazine founded by producers David Salzman and Quincy Jones. The publication predominantly features R&B and hip hop music artists, actors and other entertainers. After shutting down producti ...

'' wrote, "''True & Livin'' is an album full of contradictions, and that's what makes it so interesting and appealing." Del F. Cowie of '' Exclaim!'' commented that "While past efforts dabbled with drum & bass and delved into melodic electronics and live instrumentation, this organic effort represents the most potent synthesis yet of their spiritually-infused hip-hop."

Track listing

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:True and Livin 2005 albums Zion I albums